Animal Updates

Remember me? I am Rocky; the Jack Russell terrier mix that was hurt last spring when my owner's boyfriend slammed me down on the ground so hard I broke my leg. I was just a little puppy then. Friends of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter helped get me away from that bad man's reach, raised money for my surgery, and found me a foster home so I could get well. I had to be very good for 10 weeks so my leg would mend. That was hard to do because I love to jump and play all the time. After all, I am a terrier!

My foster home was a dream. Lisa and Pat took great care of me. Lisa is a medical doctor and Pat is a nurse so they knew about broken legs and how important it was to supervise my play so I could heal properly. They live in a new house on ten acres of land with three other dogs, all labs. Two of the labs, Stetson and Diesel had also been rescued from situations of neglect or abuse. We all got along great and before long Lisa and Pat decided to adopt me for good. So, how am I doing now? I am very happy and I love Lisa and Pat. Stetson, their rescued chocolate lab has become my best friend. He protects me, lets me take the ball from him, and even allows me to nibble on his long floppy ears. Yes, life is good. We are a family of six and I get to go for walks every day.

I am a big boy now at thirty-five pounds. Lisa says I am very smart and sweet. I know how to sit, stay, retrieve, and we are working on the paw/hand shake. I still get fearful if someone picks me up too quickly because it reminds me of that awful day when I was thrown. Nevertheless, most of the time I look forward, not back. I am so thankful that so many kind people stepped up to help me out. I hope you all have a wonderful fall and that you keep looking out for dogs in need. Cheers, Rocky One Abuser, Two Victims

When her stepfather sexually abused 9-year-old Beth, she told the prosecuting attorney that someone else knew about it - but that he couldn't talk. She was referring to her beloved cat, Oreo.

Beth explained that Oreo would bravely lie outside her door at night and hiss whenever her attacker appeared. In trying to protect her, the loyal black and white cat also became another victim of violence; Beth's stepfather would always brutally kick Oreo away from the door.
Beth's revelation gave the prosecutor an idea. She decided to have Oreo examined by a veterinarian. The results were chilling. Sure enough, poor Oreo had sustained injuries consistent with being physically abused.

When the prosecutor submitted the veterinarian's report to the jury as evidence showing a pattern of violence in the home, Beth's allegations gained credibility. In a way, Oreo was able to testify, convincing the jury that the traumatized little girl had been telling the truth.
Beth's stepfather was convicted and received a long prison sentence. Meanwhile, Beth and Oreo were finally able to experience what every child and animal deserves: a safe home. The American Humane Society originally reported this true story.

Friends of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter (FSCAS) hosted a magnificent evening at the Saratoga National Golf Club and Prime Restaurant on October 8th. About 200 people attended this lovely fall fundraiser. Everyone appeared to enjoy the fun, the food and the silent auctions. Over $15,000 was raised. Thanks are due to all the volunteers who pulled the event together and all the kind people who came in support of the shelter. Many of the guests purchased a 2010 calendar of Working Animals in Saratoga County. If you missed the event but would like to purchase a calendar, Dawgdom on Broadway and Brown Dog Grooming in Ballston Spa are selling them. I am proud to point out that my Vida is the featured working dog for the month of December!